Lion Hudson ISBN 9781782643340 £7.99
When her older sister Cassandra breaks her arm in a carriage accident, the 13-year-old Jane Austen is sent to Southmoor Abbey, to act as a companion to Lady Cromwell for a week; all part of the celebration for the son of the house’s coming of age party. However, it is not long before Jane is intrigued by tales of the ‘Mad Monk’ and ghosts in the ruins. When there is an attempted arson and two prize horses are stolen, Jane feels it is necessary to try and find the guilty parties; otherwise she knows that innocent lives will be destroyed.
Julia Golding has a way of making us feel at home in the historical settings of her novels. The fact that she has used a real person as her central character makes it even more fascinating, but also more difficult to achieve. There is a real sense that Jane is a young and strong-willed young lady, who is hemmed in by the strictures that society places on female members. Despite all of this she is able to investigate the activities at the Abbey and with the help of several friends she solves the mystery. This is suitable for 10 year olds and for those over 11, however some strong 9 year old readers would also find it a very exciting story.
Margaret Pemberton
